Financial Planning

A Philosophy Centered on Client Relationships

When Raymond James was founded in 1962, it did not follow the path of its peers – a transaction-oriented style of business based simply on “selling” investments. Instead, the firm’s founder, Robert A. James, stressed the importance of counseling individual clients, understanding their needs and concerns, and building customized financial plans.

Today, Raymond James financial advisors continue to embrace this philosophy, encouraging our clients to focus on long-term investing and develop diversified portfolios. Our objective was – and still is – to help people plan for life.

Remaining sensitive to the changing needs of our clients, we keep a watchful eye on today’s complex financial marketplace. And we offer a comprehensive selection of investment alternatives to help meet clients’ evolving needs. Raymond James is also a leader in providing fee-based accounts as well as commission-based accounts, with experience in fee-based financial planning since the late 1960s.*

Yet, with all of its innovation, Raymond James’ founding premise remains unchanged. That’s why we are dedicated to providing clients with complete financial planning services and personalized, professional assistance. Simply put, we believe our business is people and their financial well-being ... and we are committed to our clients’ success.

Planning: The Key to Financial Success

In life, we pass through several phases, each with different financial requirements. For example, the financial needs of a young married couple are not the same as those of a retired couple. That is why ongoing long-term planning is essential. Typically, there are three basic financial steps most people take in life. They include:

Wealth accumulation – the building of a solid, diversified financial foundation from which to expand over time. During this phase, allocation of money for a home, investments, life insurance and educational expenses is coordinated with tax planning strategies to help ensure that current and future income is utilized effectively.
Wealth conservation – the inclusion of a variety of investment strategies and further diversification, designed to preserve and invest assets to help ensure adequate funds for current living expenses and future retirement needs.
Wealth distribution – the proper allocation of assets to heirs. Good estate planning should provide for the orderly transfer of assets while aiming to avoid unnecessary tax burdens.

In addition to the complexities and changing priorities that occur over a lifetime, a financial plan also is affected by fluctuating economic conditions, taxes and inheritance laws. We have the expertise to thoughtfully design a plan with your circumstances in mind, helping you develop a long-term financial strategy for your individual needs.

The Raymond James Advantage

As financial advisors with Raymond James Financial Services, we possess the necessary tools to guide you through every step of the financial planning process, including:

Helping you define specific financial goals by reviewing your financial situation in depth, taking into account your income, assets and liabilities, current portfolio, risk tolerance and investment time horizon.
Offering you flexible account options, including commission-based accounts or advisory fee-based accounts that are charged a quarterly assets under management fee and no transaction costs.
Helping with the paperwork that often accompanies investing.
Accessing and evaluating up-to-the-minute market data, research reports and other economic and financial information.
Using innovative technology to show you how asset allocation and investment diversification may enhance your portfolio, as well as how much time you may need to accumulate a specific amount of money for retirement and other purposes.
Offering you a variety of investment vehicles and services to help you meet your needs – including retirement, education, tax and estate planning, stocks, bonds, load and no-load mutual funds, CDs, insurance, annuities, trust services, asset management and banking services.
Working with your other professional advisors, such as attorneys and tax professionals, to help ensure coordination in all areas of your financial life.
Meeting with you on a regular basis to evaluate the performance of your investments and to make sure that they’re in line with your goals.

Service That Extends Beyond Financial Planning

Confidentiality is a top priority in our client relationships. We appreciate the trust our clients place in us and never take that trust for granted. Naturally, any business we conduct is held in strict confidence – just as you would expect from your physician, attorney or any other professional.

We provide objective information and unbiased guidance. Because we are not required to sell specific products, we have the freedom to help you select the investments that are right for you.

Sound investment decisions are based on facts and careful research, not emotions. However, we know it’s not always easy to make sensible choices, especially in a fluctuating market. We can help you employ disciplined, long-term strategies that help hedge against short-term market swings. Together, we’ll establish reasonable investment goals – and stick to them.

Now is the Time to Make it Happen

The decision to begin the financial planning process should not be taken lightly, nor should it be put off. The earlier your plan begins, the greater the potential for rewards.

Raymond James has been a leader in financial planning services. As financial advisors within the company, we remain committed to its ideals – unwavering integrity, innovation, quality and, above all, outstanding client service.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Stewart & Rosenbloom Financial Group and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Every investor's situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.

* In a fee-based account clients pay a quarterly fee, based on the level of assets in the account, for the services of a financial advisor as part of an advisory relationship. In deciding to pay a fee rather than commissions, clients should understand that the fee may be higher than a commission alternative during periods of lower trading. Advisory fees are in addition to the internal expenses charged by mutual funds and other investment company securities. To the extent that clients intend to hold these securities, the internal expenses should be included when evaluating the costs of a fee-based account. Clients should periodically re-evaluate whether the use of an asset-based fee continues to be appropriate in servicing their needs. A list of additional considerations, as well as the fee schedule, is available in the firm’s Form ADV Part II as well as the client agreement.

Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against losses. Investing involves risks including the potential for loss of capital.

**Raymond James does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult with an appropriate professional with any questions regarding those services.**